Interurban Cars
Chicago Aurora & Elgin 453
Description: | Double-end arch-roof steel coach |
Equipment Information
Chicago Aurora & Elgin 453 is one of the last traditional interurban cars built in the United States. The CA&E ordered ten modern curve-side coaches in 1941 but the cars weren’t completed until 1945 due to World War II. Cars 451-460 featured lightweight design and newer electric control systems but could be used together with the line’s old 1920s steel coaches.
Click here to donate toward restoration work on our CA&E steel cars, including car 453.
Chicago Aurora & Elgin 453 Details
Builder: St. Louis Car Company
Year Built: 1945
Seats: 54
Length: 55ft 4in
Width: 9ft 0in
Height: 12ft 3in
Weight: 86600 lbs
Brakes: AMU
Motors: 4 GE 739A
Control: M-17KC2-19
Compressor: DH-25
Trucks: GSC
Description: Double End / Double Truck / Arch Roof / Steel Coach
Arrived: 2019
Condition: Complete / undergoing restoration / not operational
CA&E 453 Ownership History
1945-1962 – Chicago Aurora & Elgin, Wheaton, IL #453
1962-2006 – Trolleyville USA, North Olmsted, OH
2006-2009 – Lake Shore Electric Railway, Cleveland, OH
2009-2019 – Electric City Trolley Museum, Scranton, PA
2019-present – Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL
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